DrugRehab.com provides information regarding illicit and prescription drug
addiction, the various populations at risk for the disease, current statistics and trends, and
psychological disorders that often accompany addiction. You will also find information on spotting
the signs and symptoms of substance use and hotlines for immediate assistance.

Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the individual.
In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer information on
outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of care. In this section, you
will find information and resources related to evidence-based treatment models, counseling and
therapy and payment and insurance options.

Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the
individual. In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer
information on outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of
care. In this section, you will find information and resources related to evidence-based
treatment models, counseling and therapy and payment and insurance options.

The recovery process doesn't end after 90 days of treatment. The transition back to
life outside of rehab is fraught with the potential for relapse. Aftercare resources such as
12-step groups, sober living homes and support for family and friends promote a life rich with
rewarding relationships and meaning.

Our community offers unique perspectives on lifelong recovery and substance use
prevention, empowering others through stories of strength and courage. From people in active
recovery to advocates who have lost loved ones to the devastating disease of addiction, our
community understands the struggle and provides guidance born of personal experience.

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome

Sudden sniffing death syndrome refers to abrupt death caused by inhalant abuse. When individuals inhale volatile substances, the body can go into shock. Most of the time, sudden sniffing death syndrome occurs when the heart stops beating.

Inhalants contain poisonous chemicals capable of causing immediate death. Sudden sniffing death syndrome isn’t fully understood because it can cause death to occur within minutes. In some cases, the heart stops beating before the substance being inhaled
leaves the person’s hand.

First responders rarely save the lives of people whose heart has stopped because of inhalant use.

Sudden sniffing death syndrome can be prevented only by avoiding inhalant abuse. Unlike many other drugs capable of causing overdose, no safe dose of an inhalant exists.

What Causes Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome?

Most sudden sniffing death syndrome fatalities are caused by heart failure. The heart requires oxygen to beat properly, and inhalants deprive the body of oxygen. Without oxygen, the heart beats erratically and can stop functioning.

Any inhalant can cause sudden sniffing death syndrome, but the following chemicals are most likely to cause the condition:

Inhalants also make the heart more sensitive to chemicals, such as adrenaline, that increase heart rate. The body naturally releases these chemicals when a person is scared or caught off guard. Many people refer to this as the body’s fight-or-flight
response.

Suffocation or asphyxiation from inhalant abuse may also cause sudden sniffing death syndrome, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Suffocation occurs when something blocks oxygen from entering the lungs, and asphyxiation occurs when inhaled chemicals displace oxygen in the lungs.

Is Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome Preventable?

The only way to prevent sudden sniffing death syndrome is to avoid inhaling toxic substances. Individuals with a history of heart or breathing problems may be at an increased risk for the condition, but any healthy person can die suddenly from inhalant effects.

Bystanders should always call 911 if someone experiences side effects of inhalants, but most people die of sudden sniffing death syndrome before first responders arrive.

Health professionals can treat some symptoms of inhalant abuse, but they can’t reverse the drugs’ effects on the body. Unlike a heart attack, heart problems caused by inhalant abuse can’t be treated with medication. Resuscitation is unlikely, according to a 2009 article in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services.

Repeated inhalant use can lead to drug addiction. This increases the risk of life-threatening side effects because people who are addicted cannot control their inhalant use.

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome Statistics

Few up-to-date statistics are available regarding sudden sniffing death syndrome. It’s unclear how many people die of the condition annually.

Most recent journal articles on sudden sniffing death syndrome cite a 1989 study of people who used inhalants in the United Kingdom. It found that 22 percent
of people who died of sudden sniffing death syndrome had no prior history of inhalant abuse. It also found that 56 percent of all inhalant deaths reviewed in the study were caused by sudden sniffing death syndrome.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health published in 2017 found that 24 million Americans reported abusing inhalants during their
lifetime. An estimated 728,000 abused propane or butane — the substances most likely to cause sudden sniffing death syndrome. The survey doesn’t collect information on deaths or rates of adverse effects.

Inhalants are volatile substances capable of killing individuals instantly. Butane, propane and aerosol sprays are more likely to cause sudden sniffing death syndrome than other substances. But use of other inhalants, such as paint thinners or whippits,
can also lead to death.

Chris Elkins worked as a journalist for three years and was published by multiple newspapers and online publications. Since 2015, he’s written about health-related topics, interviewed addiction experts and authored stories of recovery. Chris has a master’s degree in strategic communication and a graduate certificate in health communication.